Jan 04 2009
Self-Sufficient in Christ
I recently finished traveling across the country and I witnessed it everywhere I went. From sea to shining sea people were talking about it, people were getting upset about it, people were rejoicing about it and people were beginning to pray about it. Do you know what I’m talking about?
Yep, you’re right. I am referring to the new year that has begun. It is a brand new opportunity for us to reassess our values, our priorities and the ways in which we can not only get through these difficult times, but to thrive during tough times. I’ve said this all along but I want you to never forget that we do not gain strength and perseverance from our circumstances or from the world around us. It is Christ who dwells within us who provides us the strength and the means by which we can be successful in making those necessary changes that are needed in our lives. He enables us, by faith, to take the steps we need to overcome addictions, bad habits and the sinful choices we have made in times past.
Let me encourage you to make 2009 a year of victories in every area of your life. Don’t just sit there and think about all of your good intentions. Grab a hold of the power within you, get up and do something to make a difference for Christ.
The key to having peace and joy in every circumstance is simply to be content. The bottom line is that God is in control and no matter what season of life we are in He loves us and is always working things for our good. Let’s follow Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:12-13 (Amplified):
“I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].”
Whether we are spiritually standing on the mountaintop or are living in the valley we can be self-sufficient in Christ, who is the very source of our strength.
